Digital Nearfield Test Architecture for Phased Array Radar
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition to digital beamforming in phased array radar systems poses challenges in nearfield test methodologies, particularly in correlating digital I/Q data from digital arrays with analog RF data from nearfield scanner probes, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in measurement processes.
Innovation Solution
An open architecture digital nearfield test system is introduced, replacing analog reference points with digital ones, utilizing a digital receiver/exciter and onboard processor to correlate digital RF data directly, and incorporating a local oscillator distribution network for synchronization, enabling 'bits-in-bits-out' data processing and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital beamforming is implemented in phased array radar systems, then signal to noise ratio and beamforming error are improved, but the complexity of correlating digital I/Q data with analog RF data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a digital receiver/exciter as an intermediary component that bridges the digital I/Q data from the phased array and the analog RF data from the nearfield scanner probe. This mediator converts and correlates the two different data formats, resolving the complexity of direct correlation between digital and analog domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data representation parameters by converting analog RF signals to digital I/Q data through the digital receiver/exciter. This parameter transformation enables consistent digital domain processing and correlation, eliminating the complexity of mixing analog and digital data formats.
2Reliability
If analog receivers and exciters are replaced with digital receivers and exciters, then signal to noise ratio is improved, but the challenge of correlating digital I/Q data with analog RF data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The digital receiver/exciter serves as a mediator that receives both digital I/Q data from the phased array and analog RF data from the scanner probe, performing the correlation function within a unified digital framework. This intermediary approach maintains the signal-to-noise benefits while simplifying the measurement correlation process.
3Ease of operation
If traditional analog reference points are used in nearfield testing, then measurement process is simple, but measurement accuracy for digital phased arrays deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from analog reference points to digital reference points, changing the domain parameter from analog to digital. This parameter change enables accurate correlation with digital phased array data while maintaining a simplified measurement process through unified digital processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/analog reference point system with a digital reference point system. This substitution replaces physical analog components with digital equivalents, improving measurement accuracy for digital arrays while maintaining operational simplicity through software-based processing.
4Ease of manufacture
If analog equipment is used in nearfield scanning, then system cost is lower, but measurement accuracy and flexibility for digital arrays deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The digital receiver/exciter provides multi-functionality by handling both digital I/Q data processing and analog RF signal correlation. This universal component enables the system to maintain cost-effectiveness while achieving high measurement accuracy through a single integrated digital platform that can process multiple data types.
Data Source
AI summary
An open architecture design for a digital nearfield test system for nearfield testing of a phased array antenna allows the ability to use the components of an individual phased array antenna to be tested in conjunction with a nearfield scanner probe system allowing an efficient and cost-saving “radar testing the radar” scenario.